Illano Suspension Bridge Route

159 kilometres of tortuous and peaceful course separate the mouth of the river Navia, in the town of the same name, with its source in the Galician village of Busnullán.

In between, its waters irrigate numerous councils in western Asturias. Such as Illano, which offers us some of the most bucolic views of the Navia Historical Park, a region of which it forms part along with Grandas de Salime, Pesoz, Boal, Coaña, Tapia de Casariego, El Franco, Villayón and Navia.

The Hanging Bridge route takes the walker to this idyllic landscape over the Doiras reservoir, a haven of peace and silence, perfect for soaking up the essence of western Asturias. Do you dare to walk it?

The route of the Hanging Bridge (PR. AS-113) is a route of medium difficulty (due to the gradient) and is 13 kilometres long (outward and return) in a circular route that also includes a linear part.

It has a positive difference in altitude of approximately 604 metres and takes between 4 and 5 hours, an estimated time that depends on your pace and the number of stops you make, and may be even shorter if your speed is high.

The road surface is generally good, and although it is not dangerous, it is not advisable for very young children due to the steepness of the slope, but it is suitable for older children who are used to walking.

If you intend to carry your child, you should also take into account the 604 metres of positive slope, and only do it if you are physically prepared for it, as it can be really tiring.

Because of the steepness, potholes and the narrowness of some sections, it is not a route suitable for child seats or for people with reduced mobility who use wheelchairs or other aids, and its characteristics do not allow cycling either.

Do you want your dog to accompany you? Althoughthe suspension bridge route runs along the Navia river, there is not much water available along the way (only a couple of streams, the Lanteiro washhouse fountain and the river itself).

Moreover, access to it from the side of the bridge is somewhat complicated and not all dogs will be so intrepid as to jump into the reservoir, so it is best to carry a good supply of water just in case.

The Hanging Bridge route starts at the Folgueiróu recreational area, located at kilometre 41 of the AS-12 road as it passes through the municipality of Illano.

This area has not only a children's playground and picnic area, but also an outdoor swimming pool (open only in summer), a tourist office, a Nature Interpretation Centre, a bar, a football pitch, a bowling alley, a shooting range and an overnight stay for motorhomes and vans.

To start the route we pass the access turnstile and from there we head towards the swimming pool, skirting it on the right. We will then cross the dirt track to another one just in front of us and start a steady descent towards the shore of the Doiras reservoir.

It will be 3.5 kilometres in which we will go from an altitude of 481 metres to 120 metres (above sea level), a quite powerful descent although very easy as the track is wide and in very good condition.

Forests of pine, eucalyptus, oak, chestnut and birch trees will accompany us all the way, but also countless species of ferns and heather. In summer, the latter colours the landscape with an intense purple colour and a very sweet aroma that fills everything.

We can also see cork oaks and strawberry trees in the lower areas, characteristic of the more Mediterranean climate that reigns in the lower part of the valley.

The Carondio, La Bobia and San Roque mountain ranges watch over us from the heights on the opposite side of the reservoir, with peaks of over 1000 metres.

Further on you will come to a fork signposted "Puente colgante/Illano" (suspension bridge/Illano), where you should continue to the left in the direction of the suspension bridge. It is important that you do not forget this crossing, as on the way back you will have to come back here and take the direction of "Illano".

We will see the river closer and closer, and soon the picturesque and idyllic iron suspension bridge that gives its name to the route will appear in the distance.

When you get to this point, I encourage you to take it slow and easy, enjoying the breeze that rocks the bridge in a constant sway, and the silence that envelops it all. You'll be passing this way again in a while anyway, so you can choose when to stop, or stop on the way there and back!

Then we will start climbing again (to about 270 metres altitude) towards Lantero, a small village situated on the mountain side about 100 metres above the river.

There you can visit the washing place at the entrance of the village and the hermitage of San José at the other end, as well as enjoy the wonderful views of the vineyards hanging down to the Navia valley.

From here we will go down the same path again until we reach the suspension bridge, and then we will continue to the signposted crossroads where we passed before, but this time we must turn left towards "Illano" and start climbing.

The ascent from this point onwards is quite steep, especially up to Illano, as we will have to overcome in just over 1 kilometre all the difference in altitude that we descended before. In any case, although it is a little tiring, if you have made it this far you will be able to do it without any problem with more or less stops depending on your physical condition.

With an eminently agricultural and livestock farming past and present, Illano is characterised by its dark stone houses and slate roofs, typical architecture of western Asturias.

Strolling through its intricate streets, looking closely at the houses, granaries, granaries and cabazos is a journey back in time. In fact, you will see that most of these houses are now uninhabited...

Follow the signs that will take you to the AS-12 road, from there to the highest part of Illano and then on to the hamlet of Cimadevilla, the last village before reaching the Folgeiróu recreational area.

* Along the way you may come across some truébano or trobo (cylindrical wooden trunks -usually chestnut- containing beehives).

Before you reach the final point of the Suspension Bridge route, you have to be very careful (especially if you are with children or dogs), as you have to walk for about 30 metres along the road and it can be dangerous.

After this very short stretch you can relax, because you have completed the route!

If it's summer, you might want to take a dip in the pool or have a drink at the bar to regain your strength. If not, you can simply sit at one of the tables and enjoy the Folgueiróu recreation area for a while before heading back home.